9 Small Towns in Connecticut to Visit for a Weekend Getaway
A part of the famed New England region of the United States, the historic and beautiful State of Connecticut is indeed a place of great wonder. Also known as the “Constitution State”, Connecticut boasts over 300 miles of shoreline and a visit to many of its splendid small towns offers loads of excitement for visitors of any age. For those looking for a fun weekend getaway where great panoramas, intriguing American history, and tons of small-town charm all exist together, then Connecticut’s locales should not be overlooked. So take to the road and see what makes these beautiful small Connecticut towns wonderful places for a weekend trip or longer!
Madison
With a modest population of just under 18,000 residents, the splendid town of Madison is a wonderful place to enjoy not only the outdoors but unique 19th-century American history. Named for President James Madison and founded in 1826, guests to this town in New Haven County will never find a shortage of historic intrigue here and many buildings and landmarks from the 1700s and 1800s can be found. These include the Meigs Bishop House (1690) and Allis Bushnell House (1785), amongst many others on the National Register of Historic Places.
Add in an assortment of welcoming local galleries, restaurants, and boutique shops, and a weekend escape to Madison will be sure to bring a delight or two. And of course one cannot miss out on Hammonasset Beach State Park which sees up to one million visitors each year! Here fun activities like sailing, swimming, fishing, and picnicking in a most breathtaking coastal area ensure enduring memories will be had by all.
Guilford
Just a short drive from Madison, Guilford is another weekend-worthy destination in Connecticut’s New Haven County. The town was first settled in 1639 which makes it one of the country’s oldest towns, and today it maintains a population of just over 22,000 inhabitants. And with more than 300 years worth of fascinating history here, guests can expect to find a time capsule of the past through numerous buildings from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, respectively. Tour a number of informative museums, explore landmarks like 1670’s Acadian House (and similar spots on the National Register of Historic Places), enjoy a hot meal at a family restaurant, or simply browse through the downtown’s assortment of shops, and spending a weekend in Guilford will definitely be met with approval. Meanwhile at the nearby and popular Jacobs Beach, one can partake in swimming, sailing, and even hiking and biking in an intimate area with some of the State’s best coastal views.
Westport
For those looking for great beach destinations in Connecticut, then the town of Westport is indeed the place to be! Just some 52 miles northeast of New York City, guests will find a variety of wonderful beach areas to enjoy in this historic town founded in 1835. A great place to spend a summer weekend, one can visit such sites like the Old Mill Beach and Compo Beach, where pristine sands and stunning coastal views make for quite the relaxing and alluring vacation. And naturally one cannot forget Sherwood Island State Park, Westport’s largest beach area that covers some 230 acres. Here a number of water and other beach activities can be enjoyed, where the entire family will be sure to find some fun. Meanwhile visiting Westport’s Historic District is too a charming outing, and walking along the path of the Saugatuck River never ceases to dazzle.
Old Saybrook
Right on the mouth of Connecticut River, the historic town of Old Saybrook was founded in the 1730s and remains one of the most scenic places in the State. As a weekend destination, guests will find plenty of beautiful spots to explore that will surely leave a most lasting impression. Spend time at the charming Main Street where diners, shops, and an abundance of New England allure welcome all. Then perhaps head on over to the Fenwick Historic District and see a number of landmarks on the National Register of Historic Places like the Black Horse Tavern (1712) or the Samuel Eliot House (1737) amongst many others. And of course exploring and posing with the 48 foot tall Saybrook Breakwater Lighthouse (1886) is a cannot miss, while an afternoon at Harvey’s Beach is assured fun for the whole family. Here swimming and sailing are always popular, while enjoying the sights and sounds of local musicians make it a most appealing weekend excursion.
Mystic
Home to a humble population of just over 4,000 inhabitants, Mystic is a most alluring and charming seaside community great for any potential weekend trips. With its close proximity to several great beach areas, guests will never be in shortage of splendid coastal vistas and fun in the water while in this town. Enjoy time at DuBois Beach, Williams Beach Park, or Esker Point Beach where loads of water based fun will surely entertain the young and old. Meanwhile Mystic’s three historic districts allows guests to get better acquainted with 19th and early 20th century life, all in a most fascinating ambience. Amongst other spots of renown include the Museum of Art, the Seaport Museum, and the Mystic Aquarium, which all bring forward some of the very best of New England in the welcoming and friendly confines of a small town.
East Lyme
Situated in New London County, the picturesque town of East Lyme features stunning views of the shoreline and a beautiful boardwalk that runs for just over one mile. A great place to enjoy a weekend beach getaway, East Lyme has several splendid beach areas that are perfect for a relaxing excursion for the entire family. Spend time at the Rocky Neck State Park, complete with a tidal river and gravel shores, while at the interconnected Hole in the Wall Beach and McCook Park Beach an area of some 21 acres allows guests to enjoy soft white sand and sparkling waters in a most unique setting. And with the alluring villages of Niantic and Flanders within the town’s confines, a humble sampling of small town American life can be experienced in a most welcoming and inviting ambience.
Colebrook
With a population of just over 1,300 inhabitants, the quiet and sleepy town of Colebrook is an awesome place for a weekend filled with beautiful natural surroundings. Founded in 1779 during the ongoing American Revolutionary War, Colebrook is encircled by lush greenery and stunning rolling hills which make for a most peaceful and relaxing weekend sojourn. Enjoy the splendid colours of yellow and red foliage in the Fall, while at the Haystack Mountain Observation Tower exquisite panoramas truly take one’s breath away. And do not forget the nearby Gaylord Pond Dam where calming waters and the sounds of nature make for a most peaceful afternoon.
Cornwall
Surrounded by the Housatonic River and the Berkshire Mountains, the small town of Cornwall is the home to just over 1,500 residents. An ideal getaway for a weekend, visitors will be able to enjoy a tranquil environment filled with an inviting local cultural scene. Partake in such outdoor activities like fishing, boating, cycling, and hiking at the nearby Mohawk State Forest, or discover the beauty of covered bridges in the area including West Cornwall Covered Bridge (1864). Meanwhile a number of other landmarks on the National Register of Historic Places bring guests back in time including the Bridge Railroad Station from the 1880s. And like many smaller towns, a genuine serving of American charm across the many local restaurants and boutique shops can be found in Cornwall where a weekend visit could easily turn into a longer stay.
Chaplin
Established in the 1820s, Chaplin is indeed a most scenic place where rustic beauty and small town charm come together. Indeed a weekend sojourn here is sure to be filled with beautiful views of foliage, green lawn spaces, and colorful brick houses in an ambience of just over 2,000 residents. In addition time spent at the Witter House and Chaplin Historic District is the ideal place for any history lover, where many buildings and other edifices maintain their 19th century architectural style. Meanwhile such welcoming bed and breakfast spots like the Henrietta House are great for the solo traveller or travelling family alike, where a peaceful slice of Americana can be enjoyed in a most quaint Connecticut town.
Connecticut is a beautiful component of America’s New England region, and across an exploration of its smaller towns one can expect to find ideal places to spend a weekend getaway. Whether it is enjoying the State’s vast shoreline, its welcoming beaches, or its intriguing dose of American history, Connecticut’s small towns are undoubtedly wonderful places to explore and enjoy a weekend in. From the scenic views of Cornwall to the historic ambience of Old Saybrook, visiting these and other “Constitution State” towns will create memories for the young and old. Do not hesitate to plan your next weekend adventure in these great Connecticut treasures and enjoy the charm that is New England first hand!
